“It boggles my mind, it’s amazing. The music is out there, it’s inspiring other people, the message needs to get out there more,” said Veatch. “He was just an all around very talented young man and what a terrible loss. My hope is that his story, a message from Justin, will help other kids.”

Stories from Main Street (credit: CBSNewYork)

Veatch has spoken to more than 12,000 young people about his son and the dangers of drugs.

“I never wanted to do this. It turns out that it was the right prescription for me. It’s cathartic. I can feel much better about Justin’s life because I’m carrying him forward,” Veatch told Adams “My mantra is if it can happen to Justin, it can happen to anyone. And he was a very intelligent, creative young man, very kind to his friends.”

Veatch said the music strikes a chord. A British teenage named Olly had one of Justin Veatch’s lyrics tattooed on his ribcage.

“He loved Justin’s music. He heard what happened to him, he had to have that tattoo because it reminded him because he had had the same issues with drugs,” Veatch told Adams. “He had it to remind himself to take better care. And I told Olly, ‘you have a guardian angel in Justin.'”

Justin Veatch’s music has been sold in all 50 states and in 28 countries. The proceeds go to a scholarship fund for young musicians, Adams reported.

“It’s a wonderful thing to take the tragedy of this loss and turn it around and hopefully help someone else,” said Veatch.